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tocando

toh-KAHN-doh/toˈkando/

touching

Also: handling
Verb (Gerund)A1regular ar
A close-up illustration of two index fingers gently touching tips, representing physical contact.
infinitivetocar
gerundtocando
past Participletocado

📝 In Action

El bebé está tocando el agua con la mano.

A1

The baby is touching the water with his hand.

Ten cuidado, estás tocando la pintura fresca.

A2

Be careful, you are touching the fresh paint.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • palpando (feeling/groping)
  • rozando (grazing/brushing lightly)

Common Collocations

  • estar tocando – to be touching

playing

Also: performing
Verb (Gerund)A2regular ar
A pair of hands actively strumming the strings of a simple acoustic guitar.

📝 In Action

Mi hermano está tocando la guitarra en un concierto.

A2

My brother is playing the guitar in a concert.

Están tocando música clásica en el jardín.

B1

They are playing classical music in the garden.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • tocando el piano – playing the piano
  • tocando una canción – playing a song

knocking

Also: ringing, being the turn of
Verb (Gerund)B1regular ar
A human fist making contact with a wooden door, depicting the action of knocking.

📝 In Action

¿Quién está tocando la puerta a estas horas?

B1

Who is knocking on the door at this hour?

La campana de la iglesia está tocando las doce.

B2

The church bell is ringing twelve (o'clock).

Ahora le está tocando a Juan hacer la limpieza.

B2

Now it is Juan's turn to do the cleaning. (Lit: Now it is touching Juan to do the cleaning.)

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • tocando la puerta – knocking on the door
  • estar tocando a alguien – it's someone's turn

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "tocando" in Spanish:

handling→knocking→performing→playing→ringing→touching→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: tocando

Question 1 of 2

Which English verb is NOT a correct translation for 'tocando' depending on the context?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Vulgar Latin *toccāre, meaning 'to strike' or 'to knock'. This root emphasizes the physical contact involved, whether hitting a door or striking the strings of an instrument.

First recorded: Around the 11th century (Old Spanish)

Cognates (Related words)

French: toucherPortuguese: tocar

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'tocando' a complete verb on its own?

No, 'tocando' is the gerund form, which is like the '-ing' form in English. It must be paired with a helping verb, usually 'estar' (to be), to form a complete continuous tense, like 'estoy tocando' (I am playing).

How do I say 'I am playing sports'?

You should use the verb 'jugar' (playing games/sports), not 'tocar'. 'Estoy jugando al fútbol' (I am playing soccer). Remember, 'tocar' is only for musical instruments or physical contact.